I’m finishing this post on a Friday night because I was sitting here thinking about what I’ve been able to gradually add back into my meals, without negative consequences… and I have not fully processed that my gut has truly made so much progress.
With the apparent difference of how I feel and how my body has responded:
1. I’ll never take my gut health for granted or not have it prioritized, and
2. I’ll always encourage anyone to take the steps to get to the root cause of your gut issues, because if there is a solution, I can say so far- it is 100% worth it!
It was determined I could likely eat gluten in an 80/20 ratio.
In the past, even with eating gluten free- for example, GF bread- digesting that was not always comfortable or within a “normal” timeframe. I would carry inflammation in my body for some days to follow. Overtime, that was just never improving.
So, that’s what I’ve done, 80/20ish, but probably more like 90/10.
I would say I eat 92-95% on a plan most of the time. That’s the lifestyle I prefer. In the past, it was less and most times without “free” meals because of my gut intolerances.
Currently, most of my meals and snacks throughout the week are gluten-free, but I’ve been able to successfully have GF bread with breakfast for dinner meals.
For a couple of random meals, if out for dinner or on a weekend, I’ve been able to successfully have more with MUCH improved digestion.
Random snacks have been sprinkled in between too, with no issues!
Highlights:
Tonight, I had a breakfast sandwich with GF bread, eggs, turkey bacon, reduced fat cheese, honey & salt.
Thursday night, I met friends for dinner and had a pizza roll up from an appetizer and a square piece of their regular pizza- neither were GF!
Last weekend, I had a lettuce wrap burger with some french fries & 4 quarters from different CRUMBL cookies!
Two different times in the last month, I’ve had an oreo blizzard from Dairy Queen (my favorite)!
I am just so grateful for more normalcy in my life. I hope someone else feels encouraged to keep going for the answers you’re looking for and deserve.
I’ll continue taking my new supplements- digestive enzyme, probiotic & GI support.
My next appointment with Dr. Natalie and Dr. Jake is still pending, as we had to wait for this month’s cycle day 21 for my hormone labs to be drawn again- AMH (ovarian reserve) Estrogen, FSH, LH, Progesterone, and Pregnenolone.
Timing, timing, timing. I’ve always been pretty organized with most things in my life, but REAL TALK- patience has not always been my strongest trait.
It’s definitely improved throughout this process. I can for sure say that. Patience is something I’ve prayed about for a long time, and I have truly felt a strong peace through all of this. Almost like a whisper of “it’s going to be okay.”
That is SO DIFFERENT from how I’ve felt or handled past times or situations in my life. I used to live with internal chaos, impatience, and worry. Prayer and pouring myself into my faith and trust in God has been the way for me. I’m so thankful for His vivid presence in my life.
We’re praying for improved labs!
Talk soon,
xoxo- Kara
Our Waiting For Little Ouellette 